Food waste is a global issue that plagues even the most pristine places on Earth, and New Zealand is no exception. Shockingly, Kiwis discard a staggering $3 billion worth of uneaten food each year. Thankfully, one of Auckland's original food rescue charities, Fair Food, is on a mission to change all of that. They aim to provide free access to healthy, fresh food to people in need across the city by rescuing surplus perishable food items from supermarkets, manufacturers, and farmers.

With a team of devoted volunteers, Fair Food sorts through donated produce to ensure it’s fit for consumption. Then, they prepare and distribute it to their network. Last year, they provided the fresh ingredients for 1.8 million meals, averaging 34,136 meals each week. Despite the challenges posed by extreme flooding and Cyclone Gabrielle this year, the organization has already provided 330,139 meals.

However, Fair Food is more than just a food rescue charity. It's committed to relieving poverty, advancing education, and benefiting the community. "Established in 2011, Fair Food is Auckland's first food rescue organization based on a collaboration between these four key partners," explains Tracy Pirini, Fair Food’s Head of Operations and Relationships. Fair Food is an evolution of the original 'Free Store Waitakere' project which proved that food insecurity was very real in West Auckland."

Today, Fair Food is located in Avondale, Auckland, with a team on the ground picking up surplus food from supermarkets and manufacturers. Once the food is sorted, recipient groups have a scheduled pick-up time the following morning, from there it goes to those in need.

"Our volunteers are the backbone of Fair Food," says Pirini. "About 150 people each month help us out. We have individual volunteers who come once or twice a week, and we're also a popular choice for corporate groups coming to volunteer their time with us as a team-building exercise. Volunteering is open to everyone!" Last year, volunteers donated 4484 hours of their time to Fair Food.

With rapid growth over the past few years, Fair Food is now equipped to respond to urgent requests, like when they rescued an entire Countdown store after a fire. "We worked with Countdown to save 30 pallets of frozen and chilled food and 19 pallets of dairy products, along with a total of 16,500 eggs," Pirini tells us.

To stay nimble in such situations, they have a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cab Chassis on hand. Dubbed "Clydesdale" after the towering and majestic horse breed, it’s been with them through thick and thin.

Fair Food reaches over 40 core community groups each week across Auckland. Partnering with family and youth programs, transitional and women's housing, church groups, mental health agencies, young mums, those sleeping rough, and many more. The team shares enough fresh food for more than 33,000 meals each week, and their Sprinter is a driving force behind the effort.

So, how can you help them with their mission? "You can help us in three ways," Pirini tells us. "Donate time, donate funds, and donate food." By donating just $10, you can provide 25 meals for people in need, keep good food from landfill, and support this great organisation.

The three ways you can help Fair Food:

1. Donate time – They’re always looking for sorters to help cook, bake, or sort kai at their hub in Avondale. It’s a great motivator for reducing food waste at home too. Email volunteering@fairfood.org.nz if you’re interested.

2. Donate funds

3. Donate food - Got extra fresh food? Email them at info@fairfood.org.nz for further details.

Words: Isaac Sherburn

Images: Max Foley

Content commissioned by Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific Pty Ltd.